DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigns amid Wikileaks email scandal

Debbie Wasserman Schultz says she is stepping down as Democratic Party chairwoman at the end of this week's convention.

The Florida congresswoman has been under fire following the publication of leaked internal emails by Wikileaks suggesting the Democratic National Committee favoured Hillary Clinton in the presidential primaries.

• Democratic Party was hostile to Bernie Sanders, hacked emails show
• Sanders supporters, Clinton protesters hit Philadelphia streets ahead of DNC

That prompted runner-up Bernie Sanders on Sunday to call for Wasserman Schultz's immediate resignation.

In a statement, Wasserman Schultz says she still plans to fulfil her duties formally opening and closing the convention in Philadelphia. She also says she will speak at the four-day gathering.

In a statement Sunday, Clinton thanked Wasserman Schultz, saying she would serve as a surrogate for the Clinton campaign and as honourary chairwoman of a 50-state program to build the party in every part of the country.

"As president, I will need fighters like Debbie in Congress who are ready on day one to get to work for the American people," Clinton said.